The bill would have allowed the consideration of DNA evidence not available at the time of convicted murderer Dennis Dechaine's trial nearly 23 years ago.

Members of the Legislature's Judiciary Committee have unanimously rejected a bill that could have given convicted murderer Dennis Dechaine a chance for a new trial.

The bill, sponsored by Democratic Rep. John Martin of Eagle Lake, would have allowed the consideration of DNA evidence not available at the time of Dechaine's original trial nearly 23 years ago.

Republican Rep. Paul Waterhouse of Bridgton told his fellow committee members the bill is problematic. "I consider this trial by Legislature--that's what it is."

The committee's vote followed emotional testimony earlier this week from the family of Dechaine's murder victim, 12-year-old Sara Cherry, and a personal appeal from Maine's attorney general not to pass the bill.